Spring Break in the Lodge

Seven families for three nights in one great big lodge is just about the best spring break one could have.

The Dougal's, Richardson's, Peterson's, Wright's, Heath's, Allred's and (not pictured *sad* because they had to leave early) the Kenyon's

Each family got a little room to sleep in. There was plenty of hallway and rooms to ride bikes in. There was a fireplace. Not to mention the foosball, pool, and ping pong. We had a massive kitchen, dining, room, bathroom, and playground.  It was perfect for everyone to run around, play, and relax in.

Each night after dinner we gathered for a group activity. The first night there was a raffle and all the kids walked away with a prize.

The second night we played a couple of group games. It was a bit of a challenge coming up with games that would work for our group of 30 something people, ages ranging from 2-adult. I settled on Pulse and Giants, Wizards, and Elves. Here they are collaborating for Giants, Wizards, and Elves (it's a game similar to Paper, Rock, Scissors).

The third night the kids made up and performed short skits.

Every night, after we got the kids in bed, the adults gathered for a "meeting" (aka play games, eat treats, and talk).

Every morning I pulled out my yoga mat. It was my favorite when this guy joined me.

The weather was nice enough while we were there that we went on a couple of outings around the ranch. We rode horses, paddled canoes, and went on a "hay" ride (minus the hay).

How little she is on that big horse! L LOVED riding the horse.

as close as Perry would get. He was much happier on his bike.

Some people went out shooting guns (the safety talk was with a nerf gun, but they did go shoot real guns).

We all had so much fun with these great people.

We are looking forward to spring break next year!

White Blossoms

While walking through the park, Kyler pointed out this beautiful tree. White blossoms on a sunny day--so lovely!

Kacin's eye dr. is expecting her second child. That sweet mom was beaming. She commented at how put together I was for a mother of four. I think I laughed out loud at that comment. Maybe she knew I need some encouragement, seeing as this was the third appointment that day with all four kids in tow. And boy did we have some rough moments that day. At the end of the appointment, we were talking about her kids again and she asked if I had any advice for her.

Part of me felt like I could go on and on because I have learned so much and part of me had nothing to say.

This motherhood thing is a journey,

as you go, you grow.

I spurted something out to her, but if I wanted to add to it the thoughts swirling in my head lately it would be this:

Trust yourself--you are the perfect mother for your children. You aren't a perfect person, but you are perfect for them. Listen to your own voice. You have a voice. You'll know when your child is ready to potty train or when he needs extra hugs or when it's time to change dr.'s or start a new therapy, even when professionals, other moms, or those blogs you read tell you otherwise. There's many different ways to be a good mom. Be who you are. Make mistakes and keep trying. Be present and enjoy the small moments. 

I love these days. :)

our trip day 9, day 10, day 11

I think it's about time I wrap up our trip to California . . .

On our last morning at the Disneyland Resort, we took Layla and Macie to breakfast with Mickey and Friends at the restaurant in our hotel. Layla was the lucky one from our family because Macie was going and it's cute having those girls together, all Layla talked about before our trip was seeing Mickey Mouse and she hadn't met him yet, and two and under eat free.

We ate a big breakfast and characters came around to say hi to us. Every 15 min or so everyone was invited to the front of the room for some dancing, too.

 Unless she was in my arms, Layla was hesitant with the characters when they got up close.

If I don't look, he's not there . . .

Shut my eyes tight and he'll go away . . .

Here's one she was excited to meet . . .

Blowing kisses to Minnie . . .

We got her to stand by herself for a minute . . .

and play with Daisy . . .

Until we asked her to give her a hug. No way.

Some dancing before we left . . .

After breakfast, we finished packing up and said goodbye to family and to California.

Day 10 and Day 11: We spent the next few days travelling home. We did lots of swimming at our hotels and went shopping in Oregon. We made it safely home on Monday.

And that concludes 11 days of family time. So glad we got to take this trip!

Pink Cast

After four days of this soft splint

Layla got her pink cast on.

By the end of two weeks, she figured out how to do most things she normally did. The last two days she was even walking on it.

This morning she got the cast off. Her big brothers were happy to help the dr. with that.

 Thank goodness this little one healed in just a few weeks! She should be back to walking and running around like normal within a few days.